Frequently Asked Questions
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There is no "one size fits all" answer. If you’re sexually active, the CDC recommends getting tested at least once per year for common STIs. We recommend getting tested when you have a new sexual partner, you may be worried about a possible exposure, or every 3 months.
Due to our funding, we are only able to offer testing every 3 months per client. If you are in need of emergency testing, feel free to reach out to find out about other immediate testing options.
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We understand that getting your blood drawn might be concerning for numerous reasons, so we can offer a finger stick as an alternative method during our testing sessions. We default to blood draws for a couple reasons:
1) Finger sticks can be unpredictable and may require multiple sticks
2) Blood draws can be more reliable
3) If there is a reactive HIV or Syphilis rapid test, a blood draw will need to be done to conduct a confirmatory test
If you have any concerns about the blood draw portion, feel free to discuss options with your tester and we will do our best to make the testing session as comfortable as possible!
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At this time, we are appointment only and do not offer walk-ins.
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We are not able to test anonymously, however our testing is completely confidential. All client information is coded in a secure database and HIPAA compliant to ensure complete confidentiality!
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Our waiting area and testing room are accessible; however, our restrooms are not fully accessible at this time. This may make it difficult for disabled folx to properly do a urine sample and rectal swab for chlamydia and gonorrhea testing. However, we do have at-home three-point chlamydia and gonorrhea testing kits that we can provide to ensure that you are still receiving all the same tests that are offered in the office. We apologize for the inconvenience.
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We do not offer treatment for hepatitis C, syphilis, chlamydia and gonorrhea at this time. However, if you need references or help identifying places to receive treatment for these infections, feel free to reach out!
For HIV treatment, we can connect you to our parent organization, Southern Colorado Health Network, that offers case management for people living with HIV, free of charge!
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If you are currently menstruating or for any reason there may be the presence of blood in your urine, we recommend holding off on the urine sample as blood can impact the test. If you think that may impact your scheduled appointment, there are a couple options:
1) We can continue with the other tests and have you come back in once the bleeding has stopped.
2) Reschedule your appointment for a time when the bleeding has stopped.
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If you know you will not be able to make it to your appointment, even if it's 10 minutes before, please give us a call or cancel your appointment through the email confirmation. By cancelling, it allows us to offer the space to other potential clients and better plan our day.
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Our appointments typically last 20-40 minutes. Tests can be shorter or longer depending on the tests being done and needs of the client including additional questions, extra paperwork, or ease of sample collection. If time is a concern, discuss with your tester and we will work to accommodate your timing needs!
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Depending on the tests that you want, there are certain age restrictions. For HIV, syphilis, chlamydia and gonorrhea we are able to test people aged 13 and older. For hepatitis C, you must be 15 or older to receive that test.
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We do! We have FREE at-home HIV testing and FREE at-home HIV, syphilis, and three-point chlamydia and gonorrhea testing. The at-home HIV test is available for all clients. The full panel at-home testing is only available for people that identify as men and have sex with men, are trans, or gender fluid folks who were assigned male at birth due to our funding. If you are interested, feel free to reach out to us to learn more!
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Nope! We are a completely FREE resource that does not take insurance, nor do we need to see any forms of ID.
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If you are experiencing symptoms, we recommend reaching out to El Paso County Public Health, your primary care physician, or your nearest Urgent Care to receive care as soon as possible.
If you are experiencing symptoms and would still like to test with us, you are more than welcome to schedule a test. Just know that since we cannot provide treatment, it could be up to 2 weeks before you receive your results and are able to receive treatment.
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We do not have on-site parking. However, on S. 23rd St. there is free street parking right outside of our office. Additionally, there is free street parking on W. Pikes Peak Ave. behind our office.
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If you are running late for an appointment, please give us a call and let us know. We will be able to give you accurate information as to whether we are able to proceed with the appointment. If you are more than 10 minutes late, we do reserve the right to cancel the appointment.